Court Documents Identify Singer D4vd as 'Target' in Teen Murder Probe, But No Charges Are Filed Yet

Court documents from Texas have confirmed that the singer known as D4vd is listed as a 'target' in the investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

While these records do not indicate that formal charges have been filed, they describe him as someone authorities suspect may be involved in serious criminal offences, including murder. The documents were unsealed recently, providing new insight into what investigators are examining.

Lawyers for D4vd's family and representatives of the singer have so far declined to comment on his involvement.

How D4vd Became a 'Target'

The court filings confirm that David Burke, the singer behind the stage name D4vd, is being treated as a 'target' in the probe.

According to the documents shared by ABC 7, investigators are exploring whether he may have had a role in Hernandez's death. Authorities allege that Hernandez's body was found decomposing in a Tesla that belonged to Burke. The car had been parked at a tow lot in Hollywood late last year.

While the documents describe disturbing details about the state of the body, no official charges have been brought against Burke at this stage.

Being identified as a 'target' in Texas criminal law does not mean that a person has been formally charged; it signals that investigators believe there is reason to consider them a suspect.

The designation allows law enforcement to take steps such as requesting witness testimony or gathering further evidence. It also explains why petitions have been filed to have Burke's parents appear before a grand jury in Los Angeles, as part of the ongoing investigation.

Details From the Court Records

The unsealed petitions describe the gruesome discovery of Hernandez's body.

In addition to decomposing, authorities reported that the body was dismembered, with parts found in separate bags inside the vehicle's front storage compartment.

The filings do not directly accuse Burke of committing the act but indicate that investigators are examining his possible involvement.

Legal representatives for Burke's parents have contested the request for them to appear before the grand jury. Their attorneys argue that appearing in another state could violate due process rights. These legal challenges reflect the complexity of cross-state investigations, especially when a minor victim and high-profile suspect are involved.

The Investigation is Gathering More Evidence

At this stage, law enforcement has not made any public statements confirming that charges will be filed.

Investigators appear to be focused on gathering more evidence and determining whether Burke's involvement is direct or peripheral. Sources familiar with the case said that authorities were actively reviewing the sequence of events leading up to Hernandez's death.

Recently unsealed court documents show prosecutors have subpoenaed Burke's parents and brother to testify about what they know, which suggests the inquiry is active and gathering information.

Police and prosecutors have declined to publicly confirm if they have identified a clear suspect beyond naming Burke as a target. That cautious public approach is one reason there are no major new updates yet. Authorities may be waiting for the grand jury process to unfold before announcing charges or arrests.

However, having a 'target' at this stage means there is progress in the case.

No Statements from Celeste's Family

Before the body was discovered, Celeste's family reported her missing in April 2024, and a private funeral and burial took place after her remains were identified in September 2025. Vigils have been held in her hometown Lake Elsinore, and community support was evident.

But, since then, the family has been publicly quiet about the legal proceedings.